Self-motivation is key. Children must develop positive interests and goals as early as possible so they are equipped to withstand and thrive in the face of the negative influences, such as delinquency, drugs, alcohol, etc.

PSC MENTORS
(Positive Role Models)

Proven life-prep skills
(ARISE Curriculum)

Scholastic Incentives
(Earning Scholarship Dollars)

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Self-motivation is key! To succeed in the face of negative influences, such as apathy, substance abuse and delinquency, youth must develop positive interests and goals as early as possible.

What we offer

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Judgement free atmosphere filled with love

Proven life-prep techniques

Theater Arts training

PSC Mentors

Fun alternatives to self-destructive behaviors

Development of leadership skills

Building self-esteem

Training mind, body and soul

Training in substance-free and productive life

Scholarship dollars upon graduation(college or vocational studies)

Our Goals

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Increase high school graduation rates

Teach children valuable life-skills to prepare them for a successful adulthood

Increase the percentage of high school graduates pursuing continuing educations in college and vocational studies

Keep children out of the criminal justice system

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The Project Self Control Solution

Our Founders: Ken & Winkie Jamail

Ken Jamail

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Ken Jamail was born a 3rd generation native Houstonian in 1956. He grew up working under the supervision of his father, Albert Jamail, in the family business Jim Jamail and Son’s Food Market on Kirby Drive. Being the oldest son it was assumed by all that he would follow the family heritage and be a grocery man, though little did anyone know the struggles soon to follow due to choices made in adolescence that would direct his future down a long and winding road.

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Along with many of his friends and relatives, Ken experimented with alcohol and marijuana while in middle and high school. Over the years he became a living testimony that alcohol and marijuana were indeed the ‘gateway’ to heavy drinking and drugging in many of their lives. Since childhood he has lost over sixty of these friends and relatives to the disease of drug and/or alcohol abuse.
This great loss ignited a passion within him to volunteer in working with several organizations within the City of Houston in the fight against alcohol and drug abuse.

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As a volunteer for over twenty years with the Houston Mayor’s Office “Houston Crackdown Anti-Drug Division” & the “Houston-Harris County Office of Drug Policy”, the Houston Police Department’s “Ministers Against Crime Division”, and the Federal Prison System’s “Chaplain’s Department”, Ken has come to a full realization that the stereo-typical ‘user/abuser’ that is so often seen or portrayed in the media, goes far beyond the public perception of many people. The face of the ‘user/abuser’ is often the president of a large corporation, a successful athlete, professional counselor, professor, doctor, attorney, celebrity, next door neighbor, and sometimes our own family member.

The drug and alcohol demon knows no strangers and is a core cause for many mental health issues. Almost every person reading this has experienced the devastation caused by alcohol or drug abuse either personally, or through a close friend or family member.

How do we beat the odds...through Project Self Control.

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Ken came to a full understanding and acceptance of the fact that he had no power over alcohol and/or drugs once he made the choice to ingest them. Upon accepting this knowledge, he made a commitment to sober-living by exercising the power of self-control. He also made a commitment to share what he had learned with others. How...by teaching self-control through the power of choice in making wise decisions, thus helping others out of the darkness, bondage and helplessness of addiction.

Winkie Jamail

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Having raised a blended family of five children, Winkie agrees with Madeline Hunter when she said, “Kids don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care!” Many think she was being too “warm and fuzzy” but what she meant was you are not going to reach some kids respectfully, socially or academically, until you first reach them on the “human to human” level. Sometimes the subject matter can’t compete with the “drama” in their lives. The main ingredient missing today is a “human connection with kids.”

Winkie, a Certified Educational Consultant with "Time to Teach/CTE", and ARISE (evidence based K - 12), believes that research is clear ... when kids know you value them as a human being; they will work harder for you and themselves. They will challenge you less. She also believes we don’t need any more theory and new, trendy programs with catchy names. Winkie believes educators, parents and guardians have the toughest job in America as they are asked every day to wear many different hats – mom, dad, nurse, counselor, teacher, judge, jury, lawyer – just to name a few. Winkie understands that students come into our classrooms and schools with different backgrounds and cultures, and that their cognitive abilities, assets and experiences are just as wide ranging.

Sometimes the only thing students have in common is their age! The “one size fits all” approach does not work anymore. Winkie also knows the biggest unchallenged assumption by many today (especially politicians) about education is that kids are coming to school willing and ready to learn. As educators, we know this is not the case. We have a generation of kids coming to our schools with very little social skills. Many students are learning behavior from violent video games, MTV, violent song lyrics and a myriad of other influences which affect the mental health of a child.

Winkie is dedicated to helping the youth develop strong mental health skills in conjunction with educators, parents and guardians. Through motivation, inspiration, entertainment and a common-sense approach to stress management, this is achieved. Most importantly, she leaves you with many proven, practical strategies that work.

Alice Puig

Alice has proudly dedicated 30 years serving the American public. As a government employee, Alice worked as a bi-lingual case worker and advocate for seniors and people with serious disabilities. In addition to her business degree from Incarnate Word College, she brings a unique blend of skills. She has worked for the FDIC, liquidating bank assets and as a real estate agent. She has worked in the medical and insurance fields. Presently, she is a network administrator and also provides training and technical systems support for blind and low vision employees.

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In 2017 Alice volunteered for a medical mission in San Salvador and discovered her passion to help those who have not been as blessed as she.

She looks forward to serving as Secretary/Treasurer of Project Self Control and working with this exceptional and diverse group whose joint mission is to help children thrive in a complicated world.

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Pei Pierce

Pei Pierce - Liberty Tax - Business Owner

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Pei Pierce is an IRS Enrolled Agent and Health Insurance Agent. She has been serving the Katy and Houston area more than 10 years. She is specialized in small businesses and individual tax preparations and financial planning.

IRS ENROLLED AGENT

Enrolled agents, like attorneys and certified public accountants (CPAs), have unlimited practice rights. This means they are unrestricted as to which taxpayers they can represent, what types of tax matters they can handle, and which IRS offices they can represent clients before.

Certified Acceptance Agent for ITIN applications.

Quickbooks Online Advanced Pro Advisor.

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Jesse A Rodriguez

"Jumpin' Jess"

Jesse Rodriguez is owner of J Latin Entertainment, Events and Etc. a one stop full service entertainment, production, marketing and promotional service company. Jesse Rodriguez is better known as DJ Jumpin Jess and is a lifelong resident of the East End. He has been in the entertainment, marketing, club and radio business for over 35 years. He has worked for companies such as the City of Houston Parks and Recreation, United Airlines, BSP Events, La Mafia, KQQK 106.5, Puro Tejano 104.9, BandidoRadio.com, AmigosRadio.com, the Island Club, Tequila’s Club, Club Rio, ZAZZ, Tejano Rodeo in Dallas and Fort Worth, Voltage Discos and Entertainment, Hollywood Records Latin owned by Disney, PlazAmericas and Latin Pointe. When DJ Jumpin Jess is not spinning the music or emceeing for a party or corporate event, he is promoting or coordinating special events and concerts in Houston or Las Vegas through email blasts, social media network, radio and street campaigning.

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For his hard work, passion and dedication to the Tejano Music industry, Jesse was inducted into the Tejano Roots Hall of Fame in 2006. For his hard work and dedication to the Hispanic athletic community, Rodriguez has been inducted to the Rusk Athletic Club Hall of Fame. The Rusk AC is a Houston based, nonprofit organization dedicated to help our Hispanic youth through athletic endeavors. The organization hosts an International Men’s Fast Pitch Softball Tournament every year to raise money for scholarships. Presently Jesse Rodriguez is serving his second term as chairperson of the National Hispanic Professional Organization (NHPO) Houston chapter. He serves as the vice president for the Rusk Athletic Club and the Pine Valley Civic Club.

Jesse is a graduate of the NHPO Leadership Institute. Since his graduation, Jesse has become more passionate about getting out the vote. He has been working with other community volunteers in promoting voter awareness and the importance of getting out the vote. His personal goal is to hold a political office, so he can better serve the community.

Advisory Board Members

Ray A. Andrews

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Director of Houston Crackdown, the City of Houston’s anti-drug community coalition. He began his tenure with the City of Houston in June 1989 as Assistant Director and served as liaison with various community members. He also chaired numerous anti-drug and juvenile anti-violence community wide projects. In June of 1994, he was promoted to his current position.

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Ray has carefully maneuvered Houston Crackdown to be a leader in providing resources to local citizens, businesses, schools, agencies and organizations in the areas of Drug Prevention, Treatment, Intervention and Support for neighborhood programs. During his 30 years with Houston Crackdown, he has overseen the development of such program areas as:

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Information and Referral Network

Grants Assistance

Substance Abuse Public Policy

Funding for local community projects

Public Awareness Campaigns for alcohol, tobacco, inhalant abuse, and other forms of drug abuse

24 hours Community Drug Abuse Information Line

1998 Houston/Harris County Drug Abuse Summit at Rice University, hosted by the Houston Mayor and Harris County Judge

Houston/Harris County Regional Substance Abuse Advisory Council

Houston/Harris County Office of Drug Policy

Houston Office of National Drug Control Policy Partnership Agreement

Coordinated and supervised numerous conferences, workshops, and community forums

Demand Treatment initiative

Community Stars Neighborhood Recognition Program

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In addition, serves on many national, state, and local advisory boards, including the Partnership for a Drug Free America, Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America, Partnership for a Drug Free Texas, Texas Association of Community Partnerships, Safe and Drug Free Communities and Schools Advisory Councils for Houston ISD, Spring ISD and North Forest ISD, and now; Project Self Control Advisory Board Member.

Jackie Aguilera

Jackie Aguilera is a proud 3rd generation Houstonian and is among the first generation of her family to attend college and graduate school. She currently is the Dean of Students at EastSide University, a community based adult education and workforce readiness school in Houston’s historic Third Ward.

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Jackie has over 25 years’ experience in adult education and curriculum development. She has taught basic literacy, English as a Second Language, college success courses, and workforce readiness skills development at the University of Houston Downtown, University of Houston, Houston Community College, and the Houston Center for Literacy.

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Jackie serves on advisory boards for the Houston Center for Literacy, Allegiance Bank, and the Prairie View A&M Cooperative Extension Program for Family & Consumer Sciences. She is a provider member of the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation Connect 4 Literacy Partner Network and a member of the Alliance for Economic Inclusion adult education committee. She also is a member of the Federal Reserve of Dallas-Houston Branch Houston Money Week Leadership Committee.

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Her dedication to financial education and economic empowerment as a means to break the cycle of generational poverty resulted in a financial festival model adopted by McGraw Hill, Inc., which was implemented state-wide through Literacy Texas. She is an active workshop presenter on the topics of technological integration in the adult education and literacy classroom and incorporating math, STEAM, and financial education into the ESL classroom. She spearheaded financial book clubs for low income adults in partnership with Red & Black, authors of “What I Learned About Life When My Husband Got Fired!”, and lead parent-focused financial literacy workshops at several KIPP Academies around Houston.

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Throughout her career, Jackie has assisted adults ages 17 and over with transitioning to college, vocational programs, and employment. She mentors several young adults who have graduated from EastSide University and who are currently pursuing their pathway to success. Jackie’s dedication to servant leadership is the cornerstone of her dedication and support of Project Self-Control.

Project Self Control is honored to have Jackie Aguilera as an advisory board member. Thank you God for bringing her in to be a part of Your vision for the kids and their families.

Board Members

Gloria Alvarez

Gloria Alvarez, a native Houstonian and an active leader in the community. Presently employed by Ofscap, LLC, as a Project Manager. She was formerly employed by Tejano Center for Community Concerns as the PR /Special Events Manager and HR/Benefits Manager. Ms. Alvarez’ career ambitions are as diverse as her community involvement. Prior to joining Tejano Center, Ms. Alvarez held various positions from working for the City of Houston in assisting the Katrina evacuees, to HR Manager for Project Management Group, to serving as a Human Resource Specialist at Enron Corporation.

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Ms. Alvarez has taken the necessary steps needed to be able to give of the utmost service. She is a graduate of Incarnate Word Academy and a graduate of the University of Houston in Business Administration. She lived in Bolivia, South America where she realized that her desire to help others would be hampered if she did not perfect the Spanish language. Not only did she learn the language to be able to read and write it fluently, she also captured Portuguese. Ms. Alvarez is fluent in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

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Ms. Alvarez has faced hardships; however, the struggles have not kept her from serving others. Due to the collapse of Enron, she lost her life savings and her home but she continued to believe and have faith. According to Ms. Alvarez, although the losses have been great, the rewards she receives in helping others have been greater. Ms. Alvarez has been the sole guardian for two granddaughters. The financial struggles have not kept her from driving across town to serve on the various boards she serves.

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On any given day, during any given month, one can find Ms. Alvarez busy whether she places calls to help those displaced by Katrina, prepares literatures to hand out for a health fair, stuffs backpacks for students in need, or solicits funds to help out anyone that needs the help. She juggles her schedule volunteering as an usher at Lakewood Church, and serving in various capacities for non-profit organizations, such as assisting in the Annual Shoes for Kids event, which is celebrating its 20 year anniversary this holiday season. Thousands of children have benefited from this collaborative effort that involves a generous shoe donation from a local vendor, teams of corporate volunteers and friends and family who don Santa hats and wrestle happy, sweaty little feet into the new shoes of children referred by neighborhood schools and community centers.

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In December 2009, Lakewood Church partnered with Tejano Center for the 5th Annual Best Christmas Ever. It was all about the kids and making their Christmas the best ever. Ms. Alvarez has served as President of Hispanic Women In Leadership, a role she took to heart. She has served as Chair at the YMCA Cossaboom as well as a Board Member of Talento Bilingue, Board Member of Texas Executive Women. LULAC Member. In 2007, Ms. Alvarez was selected and received the Willie Velasquez Excellence Award for her community service. In 2008 she has also received the Inspiring Hispanic Women Award, and the YMCA Volunteer of the Year for 2008-2009.

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Ms. Alvarez has been quoted as saying, “civic involvement was a major part of my upbringing and the greatest legacy that my parents have passed on to me.” She observed the art of giving through her parents who were directly involved in the Hispanic community working and striving to improve conditions for Latinos.

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Ms. Alvarez’s friends are amazed at her energy and accomplishments; some have been heard saying “Gloria personifies the true Hispana Leader who not only leads from the heart, but who can also effortlessly motivate others to join her in making a difference in our community.” Although her interests are not single focused, whatever the issue is at hand, you get the impression it is the most worthwhile cause she is involved with at the moment.

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Ms. Alvarez does not seek recognition and may even become uncomfortable when she receives the praise due to her. She simply replies that she loves helping others. She never seeks accolades, or attention in anything she does. Someday she will be remembered and honored as one who gave and gave. She takes her granddaughters with her as she volunteers. They are often found on the floor of their home assembling packages to give to others.

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Ms. Alvarez’ says she is giving her granddaughters a better life than they would get otherwise. She makes sure that her granddaughters have the same opportunities as any other child. Today as she raises her two granddaughters [14 and 19] on her own she is instilling the value of giving to others and reminds them to be thankful for what they have.